Published By: Admin

Olympics 2024: When a 3 A.M. Phone Call Saved Kishore Jena’s Career

Kishore Jena’s father, a pillar of support, encouraged him to give it one last shot.

Kishore Kumar Jena, India’s second-best javelin thrower, credits his perseverance and a tear-filled 3 a.m. phone call to his father for reviving his career and propelling him to the podium at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Contemplating Quitting After Underwhelming Performance

Jena’s journey to becoming a national hero was not without its roadblocks. In July 2023, while competing at the Lebanon National Championships, Jena’s throw of 78.96m fell short of his personal best of 82.87m. Disappointed with the performance and feeling distant from his dream, Jena contemplated quitting athletics altogether.

Father’s Encouragement Paves the Way

Dejected, Jena called his father, Keshab, a paddy farmer in Odisha. Pouring his heart out, Jena expressed his doubts and questioned his future in sports. His father, a pillar of support, encouraged him to give it one last shot. “You’ve been training towards this for so long,” Keshab said, “compete in the next event and if it works out then great, if not then come back home.”

A Turning Point in Colombo

Fueled by his father’s words, Jena participated in the Colombo event with a newfound determination. This “do or die” mindset, as his coach Samarjeet Singh Malhi described it, proved to be the turning point. Jena not only won the competition but also threw a personal best of 84.38m, securing a spot at the World Championships and reigniting his belief in himself.

Strategic Training and Personal Best Performances

Malhi devised a strategic plan to help Jena peak at the World Championships and Asian Games. The focus shifted to reducing workload, minimizing weight training, and prioritizing speed work. This approach maximized Jena’s performance, leading him to a top-six finish at the World Championships and qualification for the Paris Olympics.

Winning Silver at the Asian Games

At the Asian Games, Jena continued his upward trajectory. In a historic first, Jena even led Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, for a short period in the final. The competition culminated in a silver medal for Jena, solidifying his position as India’s second-best javelin thrower.

A Special Gesture from Neeraj Chopra

Jena’s exceptional performance was further motivated by a special gesture from Neeraj Chopra. After the World Championships final, Chopra presented Jena with a token reserved for athletes who qualify for the Olympics. “Jena, yehrakhna. Asian Games main acchakarnaaurhumein Paris jaanahai [Keep this with you, you need to do well at the Asian Games and we both have to go to the Paris Olympics],” Chopra said, according to Jena. This act of encouragement from a fellow athlete significantly bolstered Jena’s resolve.

At the Asian Games, Jena even led Neeraj Chopra for a short period in the final // Picture Courtesy — Olympics.com

Financial Security and Recognition

Jena’s success at the Asian Games brought his background to the forefront. The youngest of seven siblings, Jena’s family had faced financial hardship after his father’s accident in 2018. Driven by the need to support his family, Jena’s Asian Games win was particularly meaningful. The Odisha government acknowledged his struggles and achievements by awarding him a prize of Rs. 1.5 crore and committing to cover his training expenses leading up to the Paris Olympics.

Staying Grounded Despite Success

Despite the recent fame and financial security, Jena remains grounded. “I don’t feel like I have achieved something monumental,” he says humbly. His commitment to his roots is evident in his Zoom username, “Jena 84.38m,” a constant reminder of the throw that marked his comeback.

Kishore Jena’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of family. From the brink of giving up to gracing the podium at the Asian Games, Jena’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.